Course Summary

The Summer Architecture Programme will introduce aspiring architects to key concepts and theories, whilst at the same time providing an insight into what future study or a career in architecture will entail. This summer course is two weeks in duration and takes place in the structurally fascinating cities of London, St Andrews, Oxford and Cambridge.

On ORA’s Summer Architecture Programme students will learn the principles of design, mapping, spatial planning and analysis essential to portfolio development. They will also be introduced to the basic concepts of construction and engineering that will underpin their future careers in and studies of architecture.

Where could the Summer Architecture Programme course lead you?

Why choose Summer Architecture Programme for 16-18 years?

Students receive more than 20 hours of teaching per week, in classes of no more than 15. Lessons on architectural theory combine with skills-based workshops to allow students to learn about all aspects of architecture and gain an impression of the undergraduate study of this fascinating subject.

Students will learn vital and invaluable skills for the modern workplace, which they will be able to use long after they leave the summer school. Through a variety of homework tasks, presentations and focus problems, students will develop their skills of communication (both written and verbal), problem solving and analytical thought. The course will include class visits to London to witness the latest innovations in modern architecture and design, and also to visit one of the UK’s foremost schools of architecture.

How will the Summer Architecture Programme help me?

Your attendance on the Introduction to Architecture course gives you another educational experience to talk about when you come to apply for university, showing admissions tutors that you’re self-motivated and enthusiastic about learning. As well as the specific practical and technical skills you’ll learn on this course, you’ll also develop transferable skills that can be used at school, university and beyond. This includes working in a team with other students, communicating effectively and thinking spatially.

Is this course for me?

If you are interested in designing your own city skyline one day, and would like to learn best practices early, then this course is for you. Students will be exposed to a career as an architect, and will gain a wealth of knowledge of all the key theories and design terms.

Topics covered

Students will consider the modern role of the architect and space in our built environment, honing the key spatial thinking and verbal communication skills required for the creation and planning of all aspects of design projects. Students will also develop the practical and technical skills essential in the field: this course will introduce students to architectural drawing and model construction in manual and digital formats.

These skills will then be put to the test in a final group-based design portfolio competition, allowing students to pair their theoretical and technical understanding with team-oriented skills developed over the course of the programme.

Welcome to the City of Cambridge - your home this summer

Cambridge has been recognised for centuries as one of the most beautiful academic locations in the UK. With its soaring gothic buttresses, green lawns, gently meandering river, and quiet little coffee shops, Cambridge has a lot to offer in terms of quality of student experience.

Students will live, dine and study in a college of the University of Cambridge, providing them with the ideal opportunity to discover what life in a top UK university is really like. Students can immerse themselves in the teaching of knowledgeable academics, many of whom have studied at top UK institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford. They will have plenty of opportunity to explore the city in their free time, and take part in educational excursions in and around Cambridge.

Students residential in Cambridge will experience life in a top UK university city, while fulfilling their educational ambitions and enjoying the summer experience of their lives. Learn more about all that our Cambridge Summer School has to offer.

Sample Timetable

Useful information for students & parents

Accommodation

Students will be accommodated in comfortable single or twin rooms depending on their allocated college - please contact our registrations team if you would like more information. Twin rooms are strictly between students of the same gender, and males/females are separated by corridoor and/or staircase. Accommodation is the standard accommodation for university undergraduates who study at the university, so students are able to get a flavour for what being an undergraduate at the university might be like. Bathrooms are typically shared between students of the same gender, though in some cases en-suite facilities are available.

Pastoral care & student welfare

The programme is overseen by the Programme Director, who implements the day-to-day running of the programme. The Director is assisted by a team of Counsellors who very often are current members of the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge. The Counsellors ensure that students are looked after pastorally, culturally and socially during their programme. Students are able to talk informally and frankly to the Counsellors in order to raise concerns or to discuss university applications. Each campus has members of residential staff who live in the college throughout the programme and are able to assist students at any time of the day or night.

Eligibility & pre-requisites

Students on this course:

Must conform to our age policy.

Must be fluent or near-fluent English language speakers – if you are unsure whether your English level is suitable for this programme, please contact our Registrations Team on admin@oxford-royale.co.uk and they will be able to assist you.

Must be able to fulfil the basic requirements of the programme, in terms of attendance at lessons, meals and events. Please contact our Registrations Team for more detailed information.

Oxford Royale Academy is a part of Oxford Programs Limited, UK company number 6045196. The company contracts with institutions including Oxford University for the use of their facilities and also contracts with tutors from those institutions but does not operate under the aegis of Oxford University.